Asked on Nov 07, 2013

Afraid of furnace exploding in home

Melcarnley
by Melcarnley
Im a single mom and i rent and this year as I started my furnace for cold weather, it was installed in 88 lol...every time it kicks on or adjust temps a loud huge boom shakes the bedroom next to the furnace room and the room fills with a gas and smoky smell for a few minutes, the booming is very scary and I'm afraid it will explode or start fire, landlord says he has a new furnace but haven't heard from him in weeks, this isnt a daily thing it happens several or more times a day, kids are scared and my dogs are under the bed? worried have three kids and three furry kids...are we safe for now til new furnace comes?
  14 answers
  • Pat Dollar Pat Dollar on Nov 08, 2013
    No cost to have the gas company come out and check it for you. You call them and say that you smell gas from the furnace.
    • Susan B Susan B on Nov 11, 2013
      @Pat Dollar yea, and if need be they will probably be your saving grace with landlord. I WOULD GET ON THAT GIRL
  • Barbara Thomas Barbara Thomas on Nov 08, 2013
    I agree, call the gas company ASAP. Don't use that furnace until they inspect it for you. Good luck~
  • Zbeth W Zbeth W on Nov 08, 2013
    It is loading up with fuel before it kicks in lights up the fuel... This means that it is kinda like a bomb waiting to explode... I would call your land lord and tell him if he does not fix it now you are going to call the building and inspections committee of your town... This is a very dangerous situation and could cause a fire or explosion in you home... Especially if your bedroom is next to the furnace room!!!! ACT NOW!!!
  • Virginia V Virginia V on Nov 08, 2013
    Definitely call the gas company. They used to come out at zero charge. If there is a gas leak they will shut it down. Then the landlord will have to replace or fix. Better sooner before it gets to cold or really does blow.
  • T_jaffray T_jaffray on Nov 08, 2013
    Was in the business for 43 years yes get the gas co out fast as if this is a bad furnace they will condemn it and turn it off before something bad happens to much of a carbon monoxicide threat and this can kill you
  • Loie Loie on Nov 08, 2013
    It is your landlords responsibilty to maintain your home in a timely manner. Call your local gas company ask for a safety check or contact your local fire department I am sure they would be willing to check it out free of charge. Call your landlord and let him know you want this issue addressed immediatly after all this could be life threatning to you and your family! Make sure there are fire / cm alarms installed in your home, this is also landlords responsibility . Be firm do not take no for an answer this could be a tragedy in the making .
  • Marilyn Highley Marilyn Highley on Nov 08, 2013
    I sure hope Mel has called the gas company and/or has gotten her family out of there. Please update us, when you are safe and have safe heat!
  • Lrc225795 Lrc225795 on Nov 09, 2013
    I was a landlord for 20 years. Always treated tenants as if it was my home. No skintchin' and cutting corners. When they see me in a store they come and say, "You're the best landlord we ever ha.' Not bragging.' Just telling how tenants should be treated. There are 2 different descriptions in one. "A gas." Is it gas or does it smell like gas? "Smoky smell" would come from an oil furnace. Whichever it is not a good condition. It is amazing how a landlord can hold a grudge against a tenant for having him/her do what is right and should have been done yesterday and without asking. Hope you can get this corrected and still have the landlord treat you like a person instead of an irritation. You need to be safe. If he wants a constant explosion, find a legal way to get of the lease and move. I hate moving but it may be your only way to safety. As another commented, let us know how the issue was cared for.
  • Hello. My name is Don Silberman.I own a heating and cooling business in wallingford. Usually with a bang like that the furnace is loading up with to much gas when ignited.this can cause a hole in heat exchanger which is very dangerous. Do you have con testers near furnace or in house. Please have it tested. You can go to sleep one night and never wake up. Call your town housing authority and report him.
  • Walsh Brothers Walsh Brothers on Nov 09, 2013
    YOU HAVE WHAT IS CALLED DELAYED IGNITION. YOU NEED TO HAVE YOUR FURNACE SERVICED IMMEDIATLEY BY A QUALIFIED HVAC COMPANY!
  • Paula A Paula A on Nov 09, 2013
    Need to have someone come in from a reputable furnace company and have it cleaned and checked ---this should be done every year as it get built up with all kinds of things and the chimney needs checking also. Do it soon before you do have an explosion.
  • Karon Nelson Roberts Karon Nelson Roberts on Nov 10, 2013
    CALL GAS COMPANY NOW!!! Don't use until they inspected it! Then CALL YOU LANDLORD to Have it Fixed!
  • Susan B Susan B on Nov 11, 2013
    PLEASE LET US KNOW!!!!!! TAKE HEED TO WARNINGS ON HERE PLEASE!!!!!!!
  • Bernice H Bernice H on Nov 17, 2013
    how awfully scary,just had a local house fire here in our city,2 very little children burned to death,mother couldn't get to them quickly enough. please....don't use furnace and get authority in yor behalf.